Wollongong City Council closed all 17 beaches and the Continental Pool at North Wollongong yesterday because of unsafe surf conditions and poor water quality, the result of stormwater runoff from the heavy overnight rainfall.

The conditions, which came just 10 days after the region experienced record-breaking heat, drew photographers, surfers and thrill-seekers to the coast, and led to 80 call-outs for SES volunteers.

Crews were called to Albion Park about 5.30am yesterday when a motorist became stuck in water on the Illawarra Highway between Tongarra Road and the Princes Highway. The driver was extracted, unhurt, and the car was salvaged.

The Illawarra Highway and the Princes Highway were later closed at Albion Park because of flooding, as was Fern Street in Gerringong between the Princes Highway and Belinda Street.

Most of the SES call-outs were for roof damage, or floods threatening properties.

Some of the region’s SES personnel have been sent to the Mid North Coast to assist flood-affected communities there.